What do I think about?

Being back at work has been hard. I was used to thinking about when Ava ate last not about data and meetings, etc. So what gets me through the day? This is........

As I Return to Work

Well, it is back to work I go. I am very thankful that while I am at work all day, little Ava will be with my Mom. I am sure she will be very spoiled and loved all day long. It is amazing how different it has been this time around. I have tried to reflect on why it is different and I go back and forth between two possibilities. A simple reason is that I am 10 years older and wiser. On the more deep and thoughtful side of motherhood, I think it has been different because I have already experienced how a baby in a mother's womb grows into a 10 and almost 12 year old. God is so good! How could anyone doubt his existence when you watch the miracle of a child unfold? So, as I return, I wanted to post some pictures from the beginning to show the miracle of Ava unfold in just a few weeks. Please pray for me and my family as we transition to the next stage.

Praying and Preparing for Baby

Minutes Old

One Week Old

Three Weeks Old

Six Weeks Old

I couldn't resist posting a few more...

Mainiero Grandchildren - Ava Makes 7

Zachary, Bella, Aaron, Jacob, Ava, Lucas and Victoria

"BLING"

If any of you know my family, we don't hold back when it comes to celebrating Christmas. The boys each have a tree in their room with oranaments they have picked out or made over the years. So what to put in Ava's room for her first Christmas? Well, after I decorated the tree in this picture, Jacob announced how happy he was that Ava has a tree with "BLING." Of course, I had to explain to Grandma T what "BLING" means. Maybe we will have to convince her that she needs another tree with some bling added to her collection.

Seven Weeks Old

Look at how much she has grown! Today was the day to capture some pictures for our Christmas card. Ava and the boys were so sweet that it will be hard to pick which pictures to include. Here is a sneak peek.

Every Girl Needs a Smocked Dress for Her 1st Christmas!

Every Girl Needs 2 Big Brothers!

Every Girl Needs a Bonnet!

Ava's Checkup

Ava went to the doctor for her one month checkup. She weighed in at 8 lbs 8 ounces and measured 21 inches. She has gained one pound and grown an inch since she was born. They gave her the first of the hepatitis shots. She did not like that at all. Such a big needle for such a little thigh.

Friends!

We have been so blessed by the love and support of so many! Family and friends and so many from our work and church have done so much for us! "Thank you" is definitely not enough to show how much it has meant to have these blessings over the last weeks.

AVA IS ONE MONTH OLD!

I cannot believe it has been a month since Ava was born. Here she is on her one month birthday. As you can see, she is filling out very well and the hair is getting a little "poofier." She looks so much like Jacob when he was a baby. Such and angel!

I Promise!

I promise that this is really not Ava crying! It is just her practicing her scary Halloween face. What mother would let her little angel cry just to get a picture of her on her first Halloween?